Guide
Kerb Appeal: Make the Right First Impression
Simple ways to prepare your home for sale
First impressions matter
Before a buyer steps through your front door, they have already started forming an opinion of your home. A tidy garden, well-maintained exterior and welcoming entrance can create an immediate feeling that a property has been cared for.
At Riverside Residential, we have been helping homeowners sell their properties across Washington and the surrounding areas since 2007. Having sold more than 1,500 properties, we have extensive experience of what attracts buyers, what can put them off and which small changes can make a real difference.
With 13 members of our team and more than 125 years of combined property experience, we understand what buyers are looking for and what really matters when a property first comes to market.
In this guide, we share some simple ways to improve your home's kerb appeal and help you prepare it for sale without spending unnecessarily.
Why Kerb Appeal Matters
Buyers start forming an opinion before they even walk through the door.
They will notice the garden, driveway, windows, front door and overall condition of the exterior. Small signs of neglect can make buyers wonder how well the rest of the property has been maintained, while a clean and well-presented exterior can immediately create a more positive impression.
And today, that first impression can happen online.
When buyers are browsing Rightmove and other property portals, your property's exterior may be one of the first photographs they see. A well-presented frontage can encourage them to look through the rest of your photographs, read your description and ultimately arrange a viewing.
Your home needs to make the right impression both online and in person.
Simple Ways to Improve Your Kerb Appeal
Having carried out valuations and helped homeowners prepare their properties for sale across Washington for more than 19 years, we regularly see the same simple issues. The good news is that most can be addressed without spending a fortune.
Tidy Your Garden and Entrance
Give Your Front Door Some Attention
Clean the Exterior
Deal With the Small Jobs
Thinking of Selling?
Find out what your property could be worth with a free, no-obligation valuation from your local Riverside team.
Do Not Forget the Back Garden
Although kerb appeal usually refers to the front of your property, the garden at the back can be just as important.
Outdoor space is a major consideration for many buyers, particularly families. A tidy lawn, clean patio and clear entertaining area can help buyers imagine themselves using the space.
You do not need a show garden. You simply need to demonstrate its potential.
If you have a great garden, make sure your photographs show it at its best.
Should You Spend Money Before Selling?
This is something we are regularly asked when carrying out valuations.
Our advice is simple: do not spend money without first considering whether it is likely to make a difference to your sale.
Not every improvement will add what you spend to the value of your property. A new kitchen, bathroom or extensive landscaping may look fantastic, but that does not necessarily mean you will recover the cost when you sell.
In many cases, cleaning, decluttering, tidying and completing small maintenance jobs can have a greater impact than expensive improvements.
That is why we recommend speaking to your estate agent before committing to major work.
Sometimes we will recommend making a change. Sometimes we will tell you that you do not need to spend a penny.
Our job is to give you honest advice based on your property, the current market and what buyers are looking for.
How Riverside Residential Can Help
At Riverside Residential, our advice starts before the For Sale board goes up.
Having sold more than 1,500 properties across Washington and the surrounding areas since 2007, we know what buyers look for and which details can influence their first impression.
When we value your home, we look at it from a buyer's perspective and give you honest, practical advice on where a small repair or investment could make a difference, what can be left as it is and how to showcase your property's strongest features.
With 13 property professionals and more than 125 years of combined property experience, we have a wealth of local knowledge and experience to draw on.
We do not believe in asking sellers to spend money unnecessarily. Our advice is tailored to your property and designed to give you the best opportunity of a successful sale.
No unnecessary spending. No pressure. Just honest advice based on your property, the market and what buyers are looking for.
Why Choose Riverside?
Independent, experienced and genuinely local. We combine personal service with exceptional property marketing to give your home the attention it deserves.
Local Property Experts
We know Washington and the surrounding areas inside out, giving you honest advice based on genuine local knowledge and experience.
Marketing That Stands Out
Professional photography, floorplans, video, drone imagery and powerful online and social media marketing — all designed to showcase your home at its very best.
Personal Service, From Start to Finish
From your initial valuation through to move in day, you'll have an experienced local team on hand to offer advice, keep you informed and help keep your move on track.
